Show Me, Tell Me

Show Me, Tell Me

As part of the practical driving test, you will be asked 2 ‘show me, tell me’ questions. These are usually vehicle safety questions that are designed to show that you know how to carry out basic safety checks on the car you are taking the test in.

Your examiner will ask you 2 questions. One will be a ‘show me’ question, the other a ‘tell me’ question. If you answer one of the questions incorrectly, you will automatically be given a driving test fault.

There are 12 possible ‘show me’ questions and 7 possible ‘tell me’ questions. The full range of questions can be viewed on the gov.uk website, though you can also ask your driving instructor for help if you are confused or concerned about the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.

'Show Me' Questions

1. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check the functioning of all indicators. (driving test may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

2. Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car, (if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine)

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help, (driving test may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

3. Show me, or explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey

If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.

4. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear; make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.

Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

5. Show me how you would check that the horn is working.

Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

6. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

7. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them, (no need to exit vehicle)

4. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

5. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

6. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working (no need to exit vehicle)

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. As this is a ‘tell me’ question, there is no need to physically check the lights.